Police colleagues of a man who lost a battle against cancer set off on a charity run yesterday to raise cash for the young family he left behind.

Paul Ellis, 40, of Bingley, was a popular member of staff at Bradford North Division where workers are now raising funds in his memory to help support his wife Lauraine and four-year-old son Joshua.

PC Vaughan Evans, of Bradford District Community Safety, yesterday set off on a 20-mile run from Keighley Police Station to Skipton Police Station to boost the effort.

Mr Ellis' colleague Sue Ellis, of Bradford North, said: "Paul was always such a cheerful person and, despite him knowing that he was terminally ill, he always remained positive.

"He was one of the nicest people you could meet and he will be very sadly missed by us all."

Mr Ellis died on September 24 after a long fight against cancer. He joined West Yorkshire Police in April 2003 as a traffic warden and was based at Eccleshill police station before being diagnosed.

Following treatment he went into remission for 18 months but the cancer returned last October.

Mr Ellis' medical condition meant he had had to give up his job as a traffic warden and he latter worked as an intelligence clerk in the Divisional Intelligence Unit (DIU) at Lawcroft House Police Station, in Manningham.

Yesterday's event saw some of Mr Ellis' colleagues complete the return run back to Keighley Police Station and the rest of the team walk along the canal between Keighley and Skipton.

Earlier this week colleagues took part in a pub quiz night at the Lord Clyde Public House, in Bradford, and other events planned include a cycling trip.

Anyone who wants to support the appeal should contact Sue Ellis at Bradford North DIU on (01274) 376236.

e-mail: fiona.evans@bradford.newsquest.co.uk